The 14th annual Hearts & Stars Gala celebrated The Little Lighthouse Foundation’s (LLF) mission to serve South Florida’s underserved communities last month at the Miami Design District’s Jungle Plaza. The fundraiser was hosted by Jenise Fernandez, a six-time Emmy award-winning anchor and reporter from Local 10 News. The Tokyo-themed evening, in partnership with Miami Design District, featured the finest bites from South Florida’s culinary hotspots, premium spirits from top-tier liquor brands, and special live performances throughout the night, including music icon Busta Rhymes, making it an unforgettable experience for all guests.
Various fascinating elements, including Japanese cherry blossom trees, lanterns, and themed dancers, greeted arriving guests. The event space was decorated with a wide range of arcade games, allowing guests to immerse themselves fully in the experience. In addition, the space showcased an auction display featuring various items such as jewelry, celebrity autographs, and artwork. Guests were treated to a sumptuous culinary experience featuring delectable bites from several sponsors, including Red the Steakhouse, Kissaki, Pubbelly, Joe’s Pizza, Novecento, SuViche, Delicious Catering, Coyo Taco, Casa Matilda Steakhouse, Call Me Gabby, Chip City, and La Vela Coffee.
At the exclusive Samurai Lounge, partygoers could indulge in a wide range of premium drinks offered by sponsors such as Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Bacardi Rum, EL Mayor Tequila, Penelope Bourbon, The Pale Rose, Stella Artois, Kirin Ichiban beer, Mastri Birrai Umbri beer, Italian wines, and sparkling wines from Tita Italia. They could also quench their thirst with sparkling water from LaCroix and still water from Icelandic while getting their energy fix from Odyssey, the official energy drink partner. Alongside the dance floor were VIP tables and an exclusive lounge area where guests could unwind and enjoy the lively music by DJ Jordi Ruz.
The special evening was topped off by an iconic performance by Busta Rhymes, an artist, songwriter, producer, and actor. He sang his top hits I Know What You Want”, “Break Ya Neck,” “Bounce,” and other songs to the attendees. The artist concluded the night with a champagne toast and delivered a heartwarming speech to the crowd. Other notable guests who attended the event were Shake Chatterjee of Love Is Blind, TV Host Joy Taylor, Oscar-winning actor Cuba Gooding Jr, NFL Star Jon Beason, and Emmy Award Winner and Actor Vincent De Paul.
The funds raised, including over $150,000 in live donations from this year’s gala, were part of the Do Good Feel Good matching program. The donors who contributed to this cause include Daniel Krizek, David Sherman, Merideth and Chip Virnig, Mark Pickard, Marc Puleo, Brian Vickers, Robert John Hock, Ari Rubenstein, Scott Galloway, Victor Ciardelli, Shamsu Lalani, Daniel Goodstadt, Charles McCaffrey, John Bergen, Joshua Beuacoqa, Frank Sena, Andrew Kass, Paul Vassilakos, and Shlomo Shon Megira.
Photo Credit: The Little Lighthouse Foundation
